SISU 8x8 Military Truck, Finland

Sisu 8x8, also called Sisu E13TP 8x8, is a high-mobility tactical military truck developed by Sisu Defence in Finland. The off-road truck was developed as a highly mobile, heavily protected tactical vehicle for international peacekeeping missions and rapid deployment of forces.

In June 2010, Sisu Defence exhibited an armoured Sisu 8x8 truck equipped with Norwegian advanced surface-to-air missile system (NASAMS) launcher at the Transportmessa exhibition in Gardemoen, Norway. Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace have conducted live fire testing of its NASAMS launcher in cooperation with the Royal Norwegian Air Forces at the Andøya Test Center in Nordmela.

The Sisu 8x8 travelled about 4,000km in the northern hemisphere to attend the fire testing exercise. It reached Transportmessa from Nordmela in a day proving its mobility over long distances in varying transport conditions.

Sisu Defence also develops all-wheel drive military trucks in the configurations of 10x10, 6x6 and 4x4. They are built at the Raasepori Plant maintained by Sisu Auto Group in Finland.

"The Sisu 8x8 trucks will be used as mid-range air surveillance radar carriers."

Sisu 8x8 military truck orders and deliveries

In 2005 Sisu Defence received an order totalling approximately €20m from the Lithuanian Defence Forces for the supply of 24 Sisu 8x8 mine protected, off-road trucks. These were delivered between 2007 and 2009 and have been in service since 2008.

In May 2009, the Finnish Defence Forces ordered 60 armoured Sisu 8x8 military trucks for approximately €26m. The deliveries were completed in May 2010. Of the total, 40 will be used by the Finnish Army.

The remaining 20 vehicles serve the Finnish rapid deployment forces for use in international crises management operations.

In April 2009, the Finnish Defence Forces ordered 12 heavy-duty 4-axle Sisu E13TP 8x8 model trucks. These are to be delivered by 2014 as part of a €25m order for 80 Sisu trucks to be used for air surveillance and air defence systems. The Sisu 8x8 trucks will be used as mid-range air surveillance radar carriers. Sisu will supply the trucks in cooperation with Thales Raytheon Systems.

Sisu Defence is also expecting orders for two E13TP 8x8 radar platform trucks for a similar air surveillance system from the Estonian Defence Forces.

Sisu 8x8 design and features

The Sisu 8x8 has a modular design with a mine-protected chassis and an armoured two–seater cabin. The vehicle uses Ruukki Ramor steel for the cabin. All the trucks feature standardised drive controls and base structural attachments. The standard 1CC container gives it an overall height of less than 4m when loaded.

The integrated load handling mechanism of the truck gives it a low centre of gravity and allows for efficient operations in extreme conditions. The heavy duty frame has high torsion stiffness and bending resistance and the basic chassis has a high load bearing capacity. The Sisu 8x8's maximum weight is 36t and it can carry loads of up to 20t.

The fuel, pneumatic and electrical systems are placed in strategically advantageous places such as behind the protected cabin. It is also an easy vehicle to maintain, repair and modify as per the mission requirements.

The truck is also suitable for all kinds of on and off-road transportation, making it adaptable to many tasks. The optional central tyre inflation system (CTIS) allows for control of tyre pressure from the cabin.

Mine protection is available up to level 2a and ballistic protection to Stanag 4569 level 3. The protection system of the vehicle can be easily assembled or taken apart in the field. The add-on armour kits increase protection against nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) and threats.

Stanag level 2 protection is provided by extra armour, which includes a composite door and 8mm steel armour. A composite door and panels are installed for Stanag level 3 protection.

Propulsion

The Sisu 8x8 is an all-wheel drive with high mobility and transportation capacity. It is powered by a Caterpillar C 13 engine, compliant with Euro IV emissions. The engine produces maximum power of 445hp and a maximum torque of 2,270Nm @ 1,200rpm.

The tactical truck has an independent hydraulic system designed for simple and functional properties. It can operate in varying terrains and maintains high and average speeds in convoys. The Sisu 8x8 is transportable by aircraft such as the Hercules C-130.